Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of spiced apple in this refreshing, protein-packed frozen snack. A creamy, swirled yogurt base is topped with crunchy oats and pecans for a wholesome treat inspired by DASH diet principles.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 ⅔ cups 750 g non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons 42 g honey
- ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup 86 g unsweetened cinnamon applesauce
- ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup chopped (unsalted pecans)
Instructions
- Prepare the Foundation: Line a quarter-sheet pan with a sheet of parchment paper, ensuring there is a slight overhang on the sides to use as handles later.
- Infuse the Spices: In your medium mixing bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. This step blooms the spices, awakening their aromas before they are mixed into the yogurt.
- Whip the Yogurt Base: Add the non-fat Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the spices. Stir gently with the silicone spatula until the mixture is smooth, uniformly colored, and no streaks remain.
- Spread the Mixture: Pour the seasoned yogurt onto the center of your prepared pan. Use the spatula to guide the mixture into an even, rectangular layer, roughly ¼-inch thick.
- Create the Apple Marble: Drop small spoonfuls of the cinnamon applesauce randomly over the yogurt base. Take the tip of a small offset spatula or a skewer and drag it through the dollops to create an elegant marbled pattern.
- Garnish and Set: Evenly distribute the rolled oats and chopped pecans over the surface of the swirled yogurt. Lightly press the toppings to help them adhere.
- Freeze Until Firm: Carefully transfer the pan to the freezer. Let it set until completely solid, which should take at least 4 hours. The bark is ready when it snaps cleanly.
- Portion and Serve: Lift the entire frozen slab out of the pan using the parchment paper handles. Place it on a cutting board and break it into 8 large, rustic pieces. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- Storage: For longer storage, place the pieces in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It will keep well for up to 3 weeks.
- Yogurt Choice: Non-fat Greek yogurt is used here to align with DASH principles. This creates a firmer, icier bark. If you are not strictly following low-fat guidelines, a 2% or 5% fat yogurt will yield a creamier texture.
- Sweetener Swaps: Agave nectar or pure maple syrup can be substituted for honey in equal amounts if desired.
Nutrition Facts (1 piece, 1/8 recipe): Calories 130 kcal | Total Fat 2.6 g (Saturated Fat: 0.2 g) | Total Carbs 15 g (Dietary Fiber: 1 g, Total Sugars: 9 g, Includes Added Sugars: 4.5 g) | Protein 11 g | Sodium 55 mg | Potassium 225 mg | Calcium 103 mg
These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
Nutrition
- Calories: 130
